Photoresponsive double-stranded helices composed of complementary strands

Area of Science:

• Supramolecular Chemistry
• Photochemistry
• Materials Science

Background:

• Azobenzene derivatives are known photochromic compounds.
• Helical supramolecular structures can exhibit unique responsive properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and synthesize a photoresponsive single-handed double helical supramolecule.
• To investigate the effect of photoirradiation on the supramolecule's structure and length.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of complementary DNA strands functionalized with azobenzene moieties.
• Formation of a double helical supramolecule.
• Photoirradiation experiments (UV-Vis light) to induce trans-cis isomerization.
• Analysis of structural changes and molecular length using spectroscopic and potentially microscopic techniques.

Main Results:

• The supramolecule successfully formed a stable double helical structure.
• Photoirradiation induced reversible trans-cis isomerization of the azobenzene moieties.
• The isomerization resulted in a measurable change in the molecular length of the supramolecule.

Conclusions:

• The developed supramolecule exhibits light-controllable length changes.
• This photoresponsive behavior is attributed to the azobenzene isomerization within the helical structure.
• The findings open possibilities for light-actuated molecular machines and responsive materials.